Hovander Homestead Park

Whatcom County Parks & Recreation Survey

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Hovander Homestead Park preserves the rich history of pioneer farming and offers recreational opportunities for all ages in every season. The park encompasses nearly 350 acres, including over a mile of river frontage.

Accessible sidewalks provide access to the historic Hovander House, playground, restroom, Group Picnic Shelter, and the Hovander River Trail.

Hovander River Trail

This 1.9 mile trail segment extends from the northern parking area near the boat launch to the southern boundary of the park near Slater Road. This easy trail for walkers and bicyclists follows the Nooksack River as it curves around the Hovander Homestead site.

Regional Parks Supervisor:

In and around the barn and farmyard is a collection of antique farm implements and old harvesting equipment. Within the massive barn is a milking parlor display adorned with some of the antique tools and equipment used at the time the Hovanders worked the farm. From May through October Hovander hosts a variety of farm animals that become part of the authentic sights, sounds and smells of a farm.

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Adjacent to the Tennant Lake Interpretive Center is the award winning Fragrance Garden. Visitors are encouraged to touch, smell and enjoy the beauty of plants. The raised beds are wheelchair accessible and have a unique Braille system that provides plant identification for the blind.

The Hovander House was built of 52,000 board feet of handpicked clear Western Red Cedar and Douglas Fir. Several Scandinavian design elements were used, such as large windows for light, and sculpting patterns for interior moldings and exterior gingerbread. Originally all the woodwork of this six-room, two story house, was treated inside and out with linseed oil. The overall scale and use of the ornamentation gives the Hovander House a manor-like appearance. The house was completed in 1903 and the 60-foot high barn, one of the largest wood barns in the County, was finished eight years later. The house is furnished with original pieces brought from Sweden by the family, and other furniture collected by Otis Hovander. Visitors can tour the Hovander House through the summer season's regularly scheduled tours or arrange for a private or group tour through the Park Ranger.

The Hovander House is open to the general public for tours. Summer tour hours for 2018 are Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 1pm to 4pm. Please contact the park at 360.384.3444 for additional information.

Washington State University Master Gardeners maintain a demonstration garden adjacent to the orchard. Visit their website for more information about the Demonstration Garden, Children's Story Garden and upcoming workshops

Main Picnic Shelter

This 30' x 60' covered picnic shelter is surrounded by open fields and near the historic orchard. The Main Picnic Shelter has room for 150 of your guests and features:

Stone Fireplace (firewood available)

20 tables

Two 3 feet x 3 feet grills (1 wood, 1 briquettes)

Electric stove top

Sinks

Orchard

The historic Hovander Orchard with its garden arbor is the perfect background for weddings. The site is adjacent to grassy fields and in close proximity to the Main Picnic Shelter. The base capacity for this area is 150 people.

*Must be rented in conjunction with the Main Picnic Shelter

Water Tower Area

This picnic site area sits adjacent to the grass fields and the playground and features a 20' x 20' canopy. The base capacity for this area is 50 people, but with special permission could accommodate 100 people. Features for this site include:

20 feet x 20 feet canopy

8 tables

3 feet x 3 feet grill110 electrical outlet

Water Spigot

110 electrical (available for an additional fee)

Blue Picnic Area

This picnic site area sits adjacent to the grass fields, close to the barnyard animals and playground. The capacity for this area is 50 people. Features for this site include:

4 Tables

18-inch Grill

Water Spigot

Red Picnic Area

This picnic site area sits adjacent to the grass fields and close to the Nooksack River. The base capacity for this area is 50 people, but with special permission could accommodate up to 100. Features for this site include:

4 Tables

Open Fire Ring

18-inch Grill

Water Spigot

Tennant Lake Interpretive Center

If you are looking for a smaller space close to Ferndale, Hovander or the Fragrance Garden, Tennant Lake has what you are looking for. Tennant Lake meeting room features:

Located adjacent to the animal contact area to the east of the barnyard, the play equipment is a big hit with kids and parents alike. Two distinct play areas, one for toddlers and another for children ages 5-12. In keeping with its location near the barn and animal area, the playground is designed in a farm style.

The shores of Tennant Lake resound at different times with the clatter of migratory birds. This 624 acre site includes a shallow lake surrounded by extensive wetlands, fields, forest and riparian zone. Come meander through the lake on the newly renovated elevated boardwalk or climb the 50 foot tower to view the wildlife from above.

If you are looking for a smaller meeting room close to Ferndale, the Tennant Lake Interpretive Center has a meeting room for up to 35 people. Wildlife Displays and Interpretive Panels are on display throughout the Center. Make your reservation now.

Tennant Lake Marsh Boardwalk

Take a journey through an actual marsh with an observation deck that will let you spend a little quiet time listening to the sounds of nature while taking in spectacular views of the Tennant Lake and Mount Baker. The trailhead starts at the Tennant Lake Tower behind the Fragrance Garden.

Hovander River Trail Segment

This 1.9 mile trail segment extends from the northern parking area near the boat launch to the southern end of the park near Slater Road. This easy trail for walkers and bicyclists follows the Nooksack river as it curves around the Hovander Homestead site.

A Washington State Discover Pass is required to park at the boat launch parking lot.Click here for information on how to purchase one. Washington State Discover Pass